Joe.My.God. LGBT News
Here’s what this is likely all about:
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan released a written statement Monday night, addressing a violent domestic dispute from nine years ago with his then-wife. The 2010 incident is part of an FBI background investigation ahead of his possible confirmation hearing to be President Trump’s permanent defense chief.
“After having been confirmed for deputy secretary less than two years ago, it is unfortunate that such a painful and deeply personal family situation from long ago is being dredged up and painted in an incomplete and therefore misleading way as a result of this nomination process.
“Though my marriage ended in sorrow and disappointment, I never laid a hand on my then-wife and cooperated fully in a thorough law enforcement investigation that resulted in her being charged with assault against me—charges which I had dropped in the interest of my family.
Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who has done a wonderful job, has decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2019
….I thank Pat for his outstanding service and will be naming Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper, to be the new Acting Secretary of Defense. I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2019
JUST IN: Hours after USA Today published a story about domestic violence allegations involving now-acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, President Trump announced that Shanahan’s nomination to permanently lead the department will “not go forward.”
— NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) June 18, 2019
JUST IN: President Trump says that acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has "decided not to go forward with his confirmation process."
Trump says he will be naming Secretary of the Army Mark Esper to be the new acting Secretary of Defense. https://t.co/wt03QKJC2G pic.twitter.com/ychbhZLLYv
— CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) June 18, 2019